Vertical clamp device

ABSTRACT

A vertical clamping device is provided that supports a flow cell component in a vertical configuration in which the flow cell is on an opposite side of the vertical support from the electronic interface. The clamp includes a vertical setting to receive the flow cell component and provides an electronic interface on a vertical surface of the vertical setting. A block supports the fluidics interface and can move in a horizontal direction bringing the fluidics interface into contact with the flow cell component.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/558,321, filed Dec. 2, 2014, and entitled “Vertical Clamp Device,”which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/015,880, filedAug. 30, 2013, and entitled “Vertical Clamp Device,” which claimspriority to U.S. application No. 61/694,807, filed Aug. 30, 2012, eachof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure, in general, relates to clamp devices for interfacingwith flow cell sensors.

BACKGROUND

Increasingly, devices are integrating sensors within flow cell designs.Such flow cell designs can guide fluid including an analyte oversensors, such as an array of sensors, to detect the analyte or to detecta reaction incorporating the analyte. When such devices include both anelectronic interface and a fluid interface, there is a significant riskof short-circuiting or damaging the electronic interface when fluiddrips onto the electronic interface.

Such risk is particularly high when engaging or disengaging the fluidinterface. Moreover, when the interface is not engaged, any fluidcontacting the electronic interface can significant damage theelectronic interface.

As such, an improved clamping device would be desirable.

SUMMARY

In an exemplary embodiment, a vertical clamping device is provided thatsupports a flow cell component in a vertical configuration in which theflow cell is on an opposite side of the vertical support from theelectronic interface. The clamp includes a vertical setting to receivethe flow cell component and provides an electronic interface on avertical surface of the vertical setting. A block supports the fluidicsinterface and can move in a horizontal direction bringing the fluidicsinterface into contact with the flow cell component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerousfeatures and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art byreferencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 includes an isometric illustration of an exemplary verticalclamping device.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 include side view illustrations of an exemplaryvertical clamping device.

FIG. 4 includes a top view illustration of an exemplary vertical clampdevice.

FIG. 5 includes a bottom view illustration of an exemplary verticalclamping device.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 include side view illustrations of an exemplaryvertical clamping device.

FIG. 8 includes an isometric illustration of an exemplary verticalclamping device.

FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 include isometric illustrations of anexemplary clamping mechanism.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 include side view illustrations of an exemplaryclamping mechanism.

FIG. 14 includes a top view illustration of an exemplary verticalclamping mechanism.

FIG. 15 includes a bottom view illustration of an exemplary verticalclamping mechanism.

FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 include side view illustrations of an exemplaryvertical clamping mechanism.

FIG. 18 includes an illustration of an exemplary flow cell component.

FIG. 19 includes an illustration of the exemplary vertical clampingmechanism in a closed position.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an exemplary embodiment, a vertical clamping device is provided thatsupports a flow cell component in a vertical configuration in which theflow cell is on an opposite side of the vertical support from theelectronic interface. The clamp includes a vertical setting to receivethe flow cell component and provides an electronic interface on avertical surface of the vertical setting. A block supports the fluidicsinterface and can move in a horizontal direction bringing the fluidicsinterface into contact with the flow cell component.

In FIGS. 1-17, a vertical clamping device 100 is illustrated in an openposition or insert position. FIG. 19 illustrates the vertical clampingdevice 100 in a closed position. The vertical clamping device has anintermediate engage position, described below. In the insert or openposition, a flow cell component can be inserted into the vertical clampin a vertical orientation. The vertical clamping device 100 includes ahandle 102. When a user engages the handle 102 and pushes the handle 102from its illustrated front position, towards a guide block 104, a slideor drive component engages the guide block 104 moving the guide block104 away from a support 126. The guide block 104 is attached to afluidics interface block 108 by rods 106, which are supported by thesupport 126. As the guide block 104 is motivated away from the support126, the rods 106 motivate the fluidics interface block 108 toward thesupport 126. In addition, as handle 102 moves forward, a carriage 110,which includes a receptacle 122, as illustrated in FIG. 2, is allowed tomove a flow cell component within the receptacle 122 towards anelectronic interface setting 112. When the receptacle 122 is in positionover the electrical interface setting 112, the guide block 104 movesaway from the support 126 as the handle 102 is further motivated towardsthe guide block 104. As a result, the fluidics interface block 108 andthe fluidics interface 170 supported by the fluidics interface block 108engages a flow cell component within the electronic interface setting112, guiding electrical interfaces of the flow cell component into thecontact with an electronic interface of the electronic interface setting112 and guiding the fluidics interface into contact with flow ports ofthe flow cell component. An electronic connection is made between theflow cell component and the electrical interface setting 112 in theclosed position. At an intermediate engage position, the flow cellcomponent is positioned adjacent the electronic interface setting 112before the fluidics interface engages and moves the flow cell componentinto close contact with the electronic interface.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the vertical clamp device 100 further includesflow cell component interface electronics 114 in electroniccommunication with the electrical interface setting 112 and furtherincludes an electronic interface 116, such as an interface ribbon, thatconnects the vertical clamp device 100 with external electroniccomponents.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the vertical clamping device 100 canfurther include a rack 128 to secure the vertical clamp device 100 toexternal supports. The rack 128 can further be connected to the support126, providing a secure mounting for the vertical clamp device 100.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 8, the flow cell component can be insertedinto the receptacle 122 of the carriage 110. In a particular example, awindow 124 can be formed within the carriage to allow interaction withflow ports of the flow cell component. An exemplary flow cell componentis illustrated in FIG. 18. For example, the flow cell component 1800includes an electronic component 1802 and a lid or cap 1804 forming aflow cell 1806 over the electronic component 1802. In a particularexample, the electronic component 1802 can be an array of sensors. Inletand outlet ports 1808 are provided to interface with the flow cell 1806.Fluid can be directed to one port 1808 and removed from a different flowport 1808. In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, the electroniccomponent 1802 can include interface pads 1812 distributed around acentral area 1810 free from interface pads. The interface pads 1812 areon a side of the electronic component 1802 opposite the flow cell 1806.

Returning to FIG. 2, the flow cell component can be inserted into thereceptacle 122 and the ports of the flow cell component can be accessedthrough the window 124. When the carriage 110 is permitted to move overthe electrical interface setting 112 at the engage position and the flowcell component is motivated against the electronic interface of theelectrical interface setting 112, for example, at the closed position,the interface patterns of the flow cell component interact withinterface patterns or pogo pins of the electrical interface setting 112.

When engaged, the fluidics interface block 108 motivates the fluidicsinterface 170 into contact with the ports of the flow cell componentthrough the window 124 and provides further force against the flow cellcomponent to further provide for the electronic connection between theflow cell component and the electrical interface setting 112.

The vertical clamping device 100 can include various covers to protectcomponents of the vertical clamp device and provide aesthetic features.FIGS. 9-17 include illustrations of the vertical clamping devicemechanism illustrated without covers, such as a cover 130, and withoutthe central support 126.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the handle 102 is coupled to a drive component134 that includes a ramp structure 136. In particular, the drivecomponent or slide 134 can slide along a rail 150 secured to the centralsupport 126. Referring to FIG. 10, the carriage 110 includes an arm 138that engages the drive component or slide 134. In particular, the arm138 can releasably engage the drive component or slide 134. The carriagecan also slide or translate along a rail. The rails can be parallel, andthe drive component and the carriage can translate along parallel paths.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the carriage 110 is in an open position inwhich the receptacle 122 is away from electrical interface setting 112.When in the illustrated position, a force is applied to the carriage110, motivating the carriage 110 toward the setting 112. The force canbe applied by a motivator, such as a spring, elastomeric component,piston, other motivating devices, or any combination thereof to eitherpush or pull the carriage 110 towards the setting 112. The drivecomponent or slide 134 engages the arm 138, preventing the carriage 110from moving towards the setting 112 when the handle 102 is in theillustrated position.

When the handle 102 is moved towards the guide block 104, the forceapplied to the carriage 110 moves the carriage 110 and in particular,the receptacle 122 towards the setting 112. The carriage 110 can slidealong the rail 152 engaged with the central support 126. In an example,when the receptacle 112 is disposed over the interface setting 112(e.g., at the engage position), the arm 138 of the carriage 110disengages from the slide 134, allowing the flow cell within thereceptacle 122 to remain over the setting 112.

As the handle 102 is moved towards the guide block 104, the ramp 136engages the guide block 104, motivating the guide block 104 away from acentral support 126. In particular, the guide block 104 may includeslide wheels 132 secured to the guide block 104 and engaging the slide134. As the ramp 136 contacts and moves between the slide wheels 132 andthe support 126, the guide block 104 is motivated away from the centralsupport 126, drawing the fluidics interface block 108 toward thereceptacle 122 disposed over the electronic interface setting 112.

In an open position, the guide block 104 is motivated in a directiontoward the support 126, for example by another motivator. As a result,the rods 106 can provide a relative positioning of the fluidicsinterface block 108 away from the support 126. When the ramp 136 engagesthe slide wheels 132 and the guide block 104, the ramp motivates theguide block 104 away from the support 126 and against any counteringforce, drawing the fluidics interface block 108 towards the electricalinterface setting 112. The guide block 104, the fluidics interface block108, the rods 106, or any combination thereof can be motivated by aforce applied by a motivator, such as a spring, a piston, an elastomericcomponent, other motivators, or any combination thereof.

Referring to FIG. 14, a receptacle guide 146 can be disposed within thereceptacle 122. In an example, the receptacle guide 146 moves toward thecentral support when a flow cell component is inserted into thereceptacle 122. Optionally, the receptacle guide 146 prevents the devicefrom being moved to a close position when the receptacle is free of aflow cell component. In another example, the receptacle guide 146 can beangled to assist with insertion and removal of the flow cell component.For example, the receptacle guide can push the flow cell componentpartially out of the receptacle 122, once the carriage is moved to theopen position. In another example, the shape of the flow cell componentcan be adapted to fit with the receptacle guide 146 to prevent improperplacement of the flow cell component in the receptacle 122.

In addition, the electronic interface setting 112 can include a settingguide 148. When the flow cell component is positioned over theelectronic interface setting 112, the central portion of the electroniccomponent free of interface pads can engage the setting guide 148. Asthe flow cell component is motivated into contact with electricalinterface setting 112, the setting guide 148 can slide toward thecentral support 126. When the fluidics interface is released, thesettings guide 148 can push the flow cell component into the receptacle122, disengaging the flow cell component from the electronic interfacesetting 112 and positioning the flow cell component in the receptacle122 of the carriage 110. In such a manner, the flow cell component canbe moved to the open position and the receptacle guide 146 can beengaged to assist with pushing the flow cell component out of thereceptacle 122. The electronic interface can also include pogo pins thatmove in response to contact with the flow cell component.

The system can further include a counter force arm 140 coupled to acounter force wheel 114 to engage the slide 134 as it motivates theguide block 104 into the close position. Referring to FIG. 12, the drivecomponent or slide 134 includes a rounded corner 160. As the drivecomponent or slide 134 moves to a closed position, the edge 162 of theslide 134 engages the wheel 142 of the counter force arm 140. Thecounter force arm 140 can be connected to rotational motivator, such assprings, elastomeric components, or other devices to provide rotationalforce. When the wheel 142 engages the slide 134, the arm 140 and wheel142 provide a counter force opposite the force provided to the carriage110. In a particular example, when the handle 102 is moved to guide thedrive component or slide 134 toward the illustrated open position, thecounter force arm 140 can provide additional force at the point at whichthe carriage 110 is engaged by the slide 134 to draw the receptacle 122away from the electronic interface setting 112. Such a counter force arm140 and wheel 142 can smooth the transition of the mechanism as a usermoves the device between an open and closed position and vice versa. Thesystem can also include a lever to lock the drive component into theopen position or the closed position.

In a first aspect, a clamp device includes a carriage including avertical receptacle to receive a flow cell component and having an arm,the carriage translatable between an insert position and an engageposition. The clamp device further includes a motivator to apply forceto the carriage in the direction of the engaged position away from theinsert position; a fluidics interface block including a fluidicsinterface to engage flow ports of the flow cell component; and a drivecomponent including a ramp structure and translatable between the insertposition and a closed position. The drive component is to releasablyengage the arm of the carriage when the carriage is positioned betweenthe insert position and the engage position. The ramp structure is tointeract with the fluidics interface block to motivate the fluidicsinterface into contact with the flow ports of the flow cell componentwhen the drive component is in the closed position.

In an example of the first aspect, the engage position is between theinsert position and the closed position.

In another example of the first aspect and the above examples, the drivecomponent and the carriage translate along parallel paths.

In a further example of the first aspect and the above examples, theclamp device further includes a second motivator to apply force to thefluidics interface block in a direction away from the carriage.

In another example of the first aspect and the above examples, the clampdevice includes a first rail along which the carriage is translatable.In an additional example, the clamp device further includes a secondrail along which the drive component is translatable.

In a further example of the first aspect and the above examples, theclamp device further includes a handle coupled to the drive component.

In an additional example of the first aspect and the above examples, theclamp device includes a support block comprising an electronic interfaceto electronically interface with the flow cell component. For example,the electronic interface includes pogo pins. In another example, theclamp device further includes a setting guide associated with theelectronic interface to provide force to the flow cell component in adirection away from the electronic interface. In a further example, theelectronic interface is disposed opposite the fluidics interface blockrelative to the carriage. In an additional example, the support isdisposed between the carriage and the drive component.

In another example of the first aspect and the above examples, thefluidics interface includes outlets to engage ports of the flow cellcomponent.

In a further example of the first aspect and the above examples, thefluidics interface motivates the flow cell component against anelectronic interface when the drive component is in the closed position.

In an additional example of the first aspect and the above examples, theclamp device further includes a translatable receptacle guide to engagethe carriage when the carriage is in the insert position. For example,the receptacle guide is to disengage the carriage in response toreceiving the flow cell component.

In a further example of the first aspect and the above examples, theclamp device further includes a counter force motivator to provide forceto the drive component in a direction opposite the motivator. In anexample the counter force motivator includes an arm and a rotationalmotivator.

In another example of the first aspect and the above examples, the flowcell component includes a substrate, a cap disposed over the substrateand defining the flow ports, and an electronic interface disposed on anopposite side of the substrate from the cap.

In a further example of the first aspect and the above examples, thevertical receptacle includes a window providing access to the flow portsof the flow cell component.

In an additional example of the first aspect and the above examples, theclamp device further includes a guide block connected to the fluidicsinterface block by at least one rod, the guide block to engage the rampto move the guide block and the connected fluidics interface block.

In a second aspect, a method of engaging a flow cell component includesinserting the flow cell component into a vertical receptacle of acarriage of a clamp device. The clamp device includes the carriageincluding the vertical receptacle to receive the flow cell component andhaving an arm, the carriage translatable between an insert position andan engage position; a motivator to apply force to the carriage in thedirection of the engaged position away from the insert position; afluidics interface block including a fluidics interface to engage flowports of the flow cell component; and a drive component including a rampstructure and translatable between the insert position and a closedposition, the drive component to releasably engage the arm of thecarriage when the carriage is positioned between the insert position andthe engage position, the ramp structure to interact with the fluidicsinterface block to motivate the fluidics interface into contact with theflow ports of the flow cell component when the drive component is in theclosed position. The method further includes moving the drive componentpast the engage position and to the closed position.

Examples of the second aspect can further be implemented using thedevice of the first aspect and related examples.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the generaldescription or the examples are required, that a portion of a specificactivity may not be required, and that one or more further activitiesmay be performed in addition to those described. Still further, theorder in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order inwhich they are performed.

In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described withreference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in theclaims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofinvention.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is notnecessarily limited only to those features but may include otherfeatures not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

Also, the use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements andcomponents described herein. This is done merely for convenience and togive a general sense of the scope of the invention. This descriptionshould be read to include one or at least one and the singular alsoincludes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature of any or all the claims.

After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate thatcertain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context ofseparate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be providedseparately or in any subcombination. Further, references to valuesstated in ranges include each and every value within that range.

We claim:
 1. A clamp device comprising: a carriage including a verticalreceptacle to receive a flow cell component and having an arm, thecarriage translatable between an insert position and a closed position;a translatable receptacle guide to engage the carriage when the carriageis in the insert position; a fluidics interface block including afluidics interface to engage flow ports of the flow cell component; anelectronic interface setting to engage electronic pads of the flow cell;and a drive component translatable between the insert position and theclosed position, the fluidics interface block to motivate the fluidicsinterface into contact with the flow ports of the flow cell componentand the electronic interface to engage the electronic pads of the flowcell component when the drive component is in the closed position. 2.The clamp device of claim 1, wherein the drive component and thecarriage translate along parallel paths.
 3. The clamp device of claim 1,a motivator to apply force to the carriage in the direction of theclosed position away from the insert position;
 4. The clamp device ofclaim 3, further comprising a second motivator to apply force to thefluidics interface block in a direction away from the carriage.
 5. Theclamp device of claim 1, further comprising a first rail along which thecarriage is translatable.
 6. The clamp device of claim 5, furthercomprising a second rail along which the drive component istranslatable.
 7. The clamp device of claim 1, further comprising ahandle coupled to the drive component.
 8. The clamp device of claim 1,wherein the electronic interface includes pogo pins.
 9. The clamp deviceof claim 1, wherein the electronic interface is disposed opposite thefluidics interface block relative to the carriage.
 10. The clamp deviceof claim 1, wherein the fluidics interface includes outlets to engageports of the flow cell component.
 11. The clamp device of claim 1,wherein the fluidics interface motivates the flow cell component againstthe electronic interface when the drive component is in the closedposition.
 12. The clamp device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle guideis to disengage the carriage in response to receiving the flow cellcomponent.
 13. The clamp device of claim 1, further comprising a counterforce motivator to provide force to the drive component in a directionopposite the motivator.
 14. The clamp device of claim 13, wherein thecounter force motivator includes an arm and a rotational motivator. 15.The clamp device of claim 1, wherein the flow cell component includes asubstrate, a cap disposed over the substrate and defining the flowports, and the electronic pads disposed on an opposite side of thesubstrate from the cap.
 16. The clamp device of claim 1, wherein thevertical receptacle includes a window providing access to the flow portsof the flow cell component.
 17. The clamp device of claim 1, furthercomprising a guide block connected to the fluidics interface block by atleast one rod, the guide block to engage a ramp of the drive componentto move the guide block and the connected fluidics interface block. 18.A method of engaging a flow cell component, the method comprising:inserting the flow cell component into a vertical receptacle of acarriage of a clamp device when a drive component of the clamp device isin the insert position, the clamp device comprising: the carriageincluding a vertical receptacle to receive a flow cell component andhaving an arm, the carriage translatable between an insert position anda closed position; a translatable receptacle guide to engage thecarriage when the carriage is in the insert position. a fluidicsinterface block including a fluidics interface to engage flow ports ofthe flow cell component; an electronic interface setting to engageelectronic pads of the flow cell; and a drive component translatablebetween the insert position and the closed position, the fluidicsinterface block to motivate the fluidics interface into contact with theflow ports of the flow cell component and the electronic interface toengage the electronic pads of the flow cell component when the drivecomponent is in the closed position; moving the drive component to theclosed position, the flow cell component engaged between the fluidicsinterface and the electronic interface, the setting guide compressedwhen moving the drive component to the closed position.
 19. The methodof claim 18, further comprising moving the drive component from theclosed position, the setting guide pushing the flow cell component awayfrom the electronic interface and into the vertical receptacle.
 20. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the receptacle guide disengages the carriagein response to inserting the flow cell component.